This suggestion was put forth as part of the security measures in spite of military and police personnel in host cities and districts being able to secure the convening of the multisport events, according to Lt Gen. Agus Rohman.
"We continue to make efforts to ensure that the multisport events are convened securely and peacefully," Rohman, commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command (Kogabwilhan) III in Timika, the capital of Mimika District, remarked on Monday.
To this end, the Kogabwilhan III has been coordinating with the Papua police and XVII/Cendrawasih Regional Military Command, he noted.
"Our security forces in Timika are strong enough," Rohman affirmed while adding that nine of the 37 sporting disciplines would be contested in the city.
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Meanwhile, Mimika District Head Eltinus Omaleng affirmed that his administrative areas remained safe and secure for all contingents of athletes and officials.
"We guarantee that there will be no (security) problems. This year, Timika does not only become a co-host of the 2021 PON National Games but it will also host Papua's Kingmi Kemah Injili Church Conference and gospel choir festival," he remarked.
Omaleng expressed belief that the events would be held in a peaceful manner despite lingering security risks posed by armed Papuan terrorist groups operating in the Tembagapura Sub-district and Kali Kopi neighborhood areas.
To guarantee the security of all provinces' contingent of athletes and officials during their stay in Timika, the authorities have made preparations for the deployment of security personnel at the athletes and officials' accommodation complex and sports venues, he stated.
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In the wake of this year's multisport events, the Papua police are continually intensifying a community-based program known as "Binmas Noken" to win over the hearts and minds of Papuan communities.
To this end, the police is working closely with regional administrations as well as religious and community figures to create and promote a peaceful situation before the convening of the events.
Through the "Binmas Noken" Program, police officers on duty are giving due importance to being heedful to the Papuan communities' requests, requirements, and aspirations, Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri noted in his recent statement.
In connection with all participating athletes and officials coming from across the archipelago, Fakhiri urged journalists to serve the public more soft news content rather than hard news content, especially those pertaining to armed violence.
The PON National Games will be held in Jayapura City and the districts of Jayapura, Merauke, and Mimika on October 2-15, he remarked.
The 2021 PON National Games will host 37 sporting disciplines, including athletics, Tarung derajat or West Javan martial arts, handball, sport climbing, futsal, aeromodelling, and judo. (INE)
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Translator: E.Supar, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
